Frequently Asked Questions
I encourage and appreciate parents and students asking questions.
Here are answers to commonly asked questions. Feel free to contact me with further inquiries.
What is an Independent Educational Consultant?
Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) work with students and their families to help them explore educational options that may include gap year opportunities, certificate programs, college options and more. They help students navigate the college application and admission process. IECs have specialized training, knowledge, and expertise in the area of higher education options and college searches and the admission process. IECs focus on the individual needs of a student to best match educational options and colleges to the student's needs and wants.
How are you different from a high school counselor?
A high school counselor often works with many students and may handle issues other than college admission counseling. It's not uncommon for high school counselors to work with hundreds of students and it can be challenging to give each student the individual attention they may need as they explore the college admission process. IECs work with fewer students and can give individual attention and a customized plan to meet a student's needs.
Do you have professional ethics or training for this work?
Yes! Independent Educational Consultants can (and should) join a professional organization that provides a code of conduct and ethical standards for its members. Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is one these organizations that provides a Code of Conduct and Principles of Good Practice that all member IECs adhere too. That information can be read here. I am a member of IECA, as well as, other professional organizations.
There is also a specific Independent Educational Consultant certificate offered by the University of California and is 150 hours of coursework. I have completed this certificate.
I also consistently attend college counselor sessions that share updates and changes to the college application process and policy changes.
Do you guarantee that a student will get into the colleges they want?
No, guaranteeing a student admission at any college would be highly unethical. An IEC can give the student and family the best information possible to increase chances of admission, but can never guarantee admission. The student ultimately completes all the work for the college application and should do the best work possible to increase their chances of admission.
When is the best time to start working with an Independent Educational Consultant?
This may vary by student and the services they need. Some students need more help and others just need a few hours of support.
For the Comprehensive Package that covers all aspects of the college search and admission process, it's recommended to start in the Sophomore year. However, starting in the fall of Junior year works too.
The College List Package is recommended for the Fall/Winter of Junior year but could be done in the Spring of Junior year or later if needed.
If you are looking at these services and think it's too late because you're in the summer before your senior year, don't worry! You can easily work through the process on an accelerated schedule to be ready for fall applications.
Ultimately, the "right" time is whenever you need support.